Dr. David Lester Johnston, photographed in his Ridgefield office August 2010. Photo: Carol Kaliff
David Lester Johnston, a Ridgefield doctor of alternative medicine with a practice on Copps Hill, pleaded guilty Friday to committing health care fraud.
Johnston, 46, defrauded Medicare and several private insurers by submitting claims for osteopathic and physical therapy services that he did not perform, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Johnston “specifically admitted that he submitted claims in connection with services rendered by a massage therapist, but falsely described the services rendered and falsely stated that he himself had rendered the services,” according to the release.
He faces up to 10 years in jail and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10.
In addition, Johnston agreed to enter into a civil settlement with the government and will pay $270,528 to settle federal civil claims arising from his conduct, according to the release.